A movement that began with one Swedish girl walking out of class each Friday to bring attention to climate change has now spread across the world.
Protesters will gather Sunday afternoon at Park Central Square in Springfield as part of a worldwide climate change protest. Many groups are holding similar protests around the world on Friday.
The events come days ahead of the United Nations Summit on Climate Change, when world leaders will gather in New York to decide what to do about the changing planet.
One of the organizers of the Springfield Climate March is Vicke Kepling.
"I believe that everyone is going to see a lot of students, especially," Kepling told KSMU.
According to NASA’s Vital Signs of the Planet, the earth’s average temperature is on the rise. Scientists continue to document more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, less arctic ice, and rising sea levels.
Kepling said Sunday’s gathering will help educate people on what they can do as individuals to lessen their impact on climate change.
"Sometimes with these types of issues, it just feels overwhelming. And the average person does not realize how powerful they are in actually bringing change, especially to the environment," Kepling said.
The Swedish girl who prompted global climate strikes is Greta Thunberg, who sailed to the United States days ago ahead of the UN summit.
The Springfield Climate March will take place from 2 to 4 Sunday on Park Central Square.
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